The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

We trekked all night long.

My feet hurt. My body was sore, but I refused to give up. My pride refused me to retract my words and demand us to rest.

Zadok was agile. He brimmed with energy as he made way for us in the dark forest. He didn’t look back even once.

Everywhere was hot, and Zadok created a torch made out of firewood in the shortest possible time. We continued the journey that suddenly felt like it had no end.

Zadok suddenly stopped in his tracks. I bumped into him, lost in thought. It felt like I walked into a steel door.

“What?” I asked, too tired to be anything but soft.

“We rest here.” He stated and dropped the torch on the floor.

I couldn’t accept defeat, “No. I told you we must get to the Cold Valley before resting. If we stop now, all our efforts will go to waste. We must continue.” I picked up the torch, determined to continue.

Zadok grabbed the torch out of my hand. I could see his clenched jaw through the glow of the light. He was pissed.

“I wasn’t asking permission. We are resting here, and that’s what it is.” I didn’t like the base in his tone.

“And I said no!” My voice raised, “We are already behind schedule, and I need to”

“At this rate, you are going to die before getting to the darned Cold Valley!” He said with a voice equally as high.

“Are you pitying me? Is that it? Do you think I can’t handle this? You think I can’t do it on my own?” I picked up the torch and continued. “I guess this is where we path ways, Zadok. It’s been great while it lasted.”

I sidestepped him and made to continue the journey on my own, and the next thing I knew, I was in the air and over his shoulder. I kicked with the strength left within me. “Let me down!”

“Not until you come to your darned senses, Ithra.” He answered in a tight tone.

Hearing my name come out of his mouth felt odd. I mourned the loss of the endearments he’s given me over the time. I guess he was angry this time.

“Do not test me, Zadok. Let me the fuck down.” I swore, meaning every word.

It seemed like he heard the threat in my words and immediately placed me down. Angered, I turned to leave, unwilling to deal with whatever this was. My legs and my throat hurt, and I felt sore all over.

I needed to get away from myself before I broke down. I couldn’t break down in front of Zadok. I needed to be strong – Not for myself but for my people. I could do this on my own. I didn’t need him.

Zadok dragged me back to himself, and I felt him again. I refused to get drugged in his essence and made to step away from him, but he held me tight, using one of his hands – he forced me to look at him, and I saw the confusion in his eyes.

I bit back the tears that threatened to expose me, and concern replaced his confusion. “What’s going on?” he asked, searching my face for answers.

I shook my head, refusing to speak. How do I tell him that I wanted to betray him? How do I tell him I felt so loyal to the clan that despised me, so much that I was willing to put his mission to doom? How do I say I could bear the thought of him being angry with me, and it physically hurt to be at odds with him?

“You need to rest, Amore.” He said when he noticed I was unwilling to speak. “Please.” he begged, “Let me take care of you.”

His tone was soft and sensual. His words were my undoing.

I let the tears drop from my eyes, and my shoulders sagged. “Promise me you would never hurt my people.” I asked, “Promise me that no matter what happens, my people will always be safe.”

Zadok’s face turned rigid, and I felt my heart fall into the pit of my stomach. “You don’t trust me,” he said, his voice heavy with emotions.

I couldn’t speak. What does one say to that?

Just when I thought it was over, he looked me in the eyes with a determination I’ve never seen. “I promise you, Ithra. No matter what happens, as long as I am alive and long after I am gone, your people will be protected by the Blood Hound pack.”

I sniffed, shocked at his declaration and the intensity behind it. “You mean that?” I asked like a little child, seeking assurance.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“I swear it.” He affirmed without hesitation. “I swear it on my honour.” He added softly, looking into my eyes.

Zadok’s words brought peace into my troubled heart. In that instant, all I wanted was his arms around me. Zadok must have read my thoughts because he took me up in his arms, and like a little child, I wrapped around him. My arms were around his neck, and my legs wrapped around his torso.

As I stared into his face, I felt a strong urge to kiss the life out of him. Zadok must have felt the same because he immediately locked my lips in a mesmerising kiss that took a breath out of my lungs.

The world stood still, letting us have our moment. After what seemed like an hour, our lips disconnected, and I placed my head on his shoulder, feeling content.

Zadok picked up his torch and led us to God knows where. I slept off in his secure arms and woke up to the sound of running water. I looked up, carefully dabbing his shoulder to be sure I didn’t drool on him.

After confirming I slept in a ladylike manner, I raised my head and saw a running stream. Zadok put me down, and I walked into the water bank, feeling its coolness in my feet.

I instantly felt like having a long and cold bath.

“I’ll go get some wood and arrange for dinner.” He looked at the darkened sky and added, “A very late dinner and early breakfast.” His gaze returned to me, “You can take all the time you need.” He said, urging me to go into the stream.

Of course, he read my mind. Was there something he couldn’t do? I was running out of hands counting the many skills of Alpha Zadok Kir Roman.

I nodded my head. He turned around, giving me space to do my business. I felt risque and took off my clothes, going naked within seconds. He stopped in his tracks, and I knew within me that he knew I was naked.

I didn’t know how he managed to sense when I dropped my last article of clothing, but I wondered what he thought. I walked into the stream, taking my time and wondering if he would take a peek.

Zadok’s self-control was top-notch. I watched his jaws clench – his fist also tightened before he continued on his track – not sparing me a glance.

I didn’t know how to feel about that. I respected that Zadok didn’t violate my privacy, but I also felt disappointed that he didn’t turn around. Shaking off those thoughts, I proceeded into the stream, and by the time I returned, I felt alive.